The way the Nationals schedule is set up this year, this will not be a problem for the men and pairs, who will finish their events by Jan. 17. I would guess that the International Committee will name the men's and pairs international assignments as soon as the nationals results are in.

It will be a problem for the ladies and especially the ice dancers, who will finish competing on Jan. 23 (or 22 for the dancers?). The exact schedules for Nationals and 4Cs haven't been released yet. It's likely that the CDs at 4Cs would take place on Jan. 26, which only leaves about 3 days for the dance teams to get to Korea.

I would also expect that none of the Olympic team members will go to 4Cs.

If no Olympic team members from any country go to 4CC, that nearly gives the U.S. a lock on the 4CC ladies' title. While the U.S. may not have any ladies' superstars at the moment, we do have an unusually deep team. Whichever U.S. ladies do not go to the Olympics should be able to take the title.

If no Olympic team members from any country go to 4CC, that nearly gives the U.S. a lock on the 4CC ladies' title. While the U.S. may not have any ladies' superstars at the moment, we do have an unusually deep team. Whichever U.S. ladies do not go to the Olympics should be able to take the title.

i must agree. I think it might be better on the single skaters cause it be like one long competition instead of the usually one week break that may trick you into resting on your loins. The skater will already be prepared due to nationals. The main question is the jet lag and time change. The ice dancers are the only ones i see with a major disadvantage.

I wish US nationals weren't held so late each year. I think the skaters would be fine if it was a week earlier.

The Japanese are the only team that will send 3 ladies to the Olympics. Can the 4th best Japanese lady beat the 3rd best American?

Yes, any of Nakano, Ando or Suzuki (let's face it, one of those three ladies is gonna miss the games..) is capable of beating Zhang, Wagner, Flatt, etc. Last season the 4th japanese lady (Suzuki) beat the US national champion (Czisny). Im not saying that will happen but it is a more than likely possibility.

Yes, any of Nakano, Ando or Suzuki (let's face it, one of those three ladies is gonna miss the games..) is capable of beating Zhang, Wagner, Flatt, etc. Last season the 4th japanese lady (Suzuki) beat the US national champion (Czisny). Im not saying that will happen but it is a more than likely possibility.

This is just my opinion, but do you really think Fumie is going to the Olympics? I think Miki and Mao are a lock.

This is just my opinion, but do you really think Fumie is going to the Olympics? I think Miki and Mao are a lock.

NO, I like her but I actually think Fumie is waay past her prime. That's why I didn't even include her in the possible threats for US ladies at 4CC. I think the only lock for japanese team right now is Mao and the three girls I mentioned will fight for the remaining spots. Even with a subpar performance I really doubt Asada will miss the podium at nationals. I know Miki is reigning bronze medallist but that's not a guarantee and she's is still too inconsistent which makes her vulnerable and I could see her being out if she undeperforms. I would agree that after Mao she's the more likely to make it though..

NO, I like her but I actually think Fumie is waay past her prime. That's why I didn't even include her in the possible threats for US ladies at 4CC. I think the only lock for japanese team right now is Mao and the three girls I mentioned will fight for the remaining spots. Even with a subpar performance I really doubt Asada will miss the podium at nationals. I know Miki is reigning bronze medallist but that's not a guarantee and she's is still too inconsistent which makes her vulnerable and I could see her being out if she undeperforms. I would agree that after Mao she's the more likely to make it though..

Thank you for making your point clear!

Now this is just a random onbservation: I think people from Golden Skate are nicer than people form FSU. I don't know why... Maybe it's just my imagination.

NO, I like her but I actually think Fumie is waay past her prime. That's why I didn't even include her in the possible threats for US ladies at 4CC. I think the only lock for japanese team right now is Mao and the three girls I mentioned will fight for the remaining spots. Even with a subpar performance I really doubt Asada will miss the podium at nationals. I know Miki is reigning bronze medallist but that's not a guarantee and she's is still too inconsistent which makes her vulnerable and I could see her being out if she undeperforms. I would agree that after Mao she's the more likely to make it though..

Totally agree with you SamuraiKite
My prediction for the Japanese Ladies are: Fumie, Nana Takeda, Satuki Muramoto(the elder sis), and Mari Suzuki as a reserve.